• Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche says that he was "pretty successful" during two playoff runs as a junior -- yeah, a Memorial Cup with 24 goals and 61 points in 34 games is pretty successful. Now the challenge is to prove that he can be a big-game player in his first shot at the NHL postseason.

• Steven Stamkos of the Lighting says he feels like someone has been testing him all season. But now that he's headed to the playoffs for just the second time in his career, he knows the real test is still ahead.

• Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is experimenting with his lines ahead of Chicago's series with St. Louis. No telling if he'll stick with these for the opener or for five minutes, but if he does, this third line looks interesting.

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